While electric vehicles require fewer parts than traditional cars, they still need regular maintenance. Here are some essential electric car components every owner should understand.
The battery pack in an EV provides energy to drive and operate other systems. It is typically covered by a separate warranty that lasts for 8 to 10 years or 100,000 miles.
Battery
The battery is one of the most crucial parts for an electric car, storing the electrical energy that powers the motor and other components. The battery is also responsible for regenerative braking, which sends energy back to the battery system as you slow down. The battery is usually composed of lithium-ion batteries, which are more advanced than traditional automobile batteries but still need to be maintained and replaced periodically.
The power distribution unit (PDU) is another unique electric car part that distributes high-voltage electricity throughout the vehicle, similar to a fuse box in a low-voltage circuit. It includes high-voltage relays, fuses, and related chips to realize signal interaction and ensure the safety of high-voltage electricity. The PDU is especially critical because it distributes power to different components of an EV, including the climate control system.
The DC converter, which lowers the voltage of the high-voltage DC electrical current from the battery pack for low-voltage consumers in an EV, is another crucial component of an electric vehicle. This helps to maximize performance and extend battery life. Finally, the auxiliary battery provides backup power for accessories like headlights and air-conditioning. Although EVs don’t need as much maintenance as traditional automobiles, it’s still vital to maintain regular maintenance, like tire and brake replacements. Using OEM parts and getting regular servicing can help prevent mechanical problems in the future.
Charger
The charger in an EV is an essential component that provides the power necessary to recharge the battery pack. This device uses AC PLN electricity to convert it into DC, which is then used by the battery pack to store energy for driving and other electronic systems in your car. The charger also includes a booster, which provides an additional power boost for starting your car in cases where the battery is too dead to turn over the engine.
Unlike traditional internal combustion vehicles with thousands of parts that burn fuel and create tailpipe emissions, electric cars have fewer parts and require less maintenance. However, EVs are not immune to mechanical problems and may need repairs from time to time.
Maintaining your EV’s smooth operation requires routine preventative maintenance, such as rotating the tires and monitoring the air pressure. Likewise, you should check the brake fluid regularly to make sure it is at the recommended level. Additionally, if you notice your EV battery is taking longer to charge or has lost its power, it could indicate a problem with the charging station or port and require professional attention. Contact a trained technician, as a defective battery can cost you thousands of dollars.
Motor
An electric car uses a different fuel type than a traditional gas-powered vehicle, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t need an engine to convert electrical energy into mechanical power. The traction motor is an essential component in an electric vehicle, and it can be costly to replace if it breaks down.
The traction battery pack stores DC from the inverter to power the motor. When the motor controller sends a signal to activate the engine, it turns this electric energy into mechanical energy. The motor has a shaft and two major parts: a stator and a rotor. The rotor comprises metal bars and induction coils that rotate to produce mechanical energy. On the other hand, the stator has steel alloy laminations wrapped with windings to create a circuit.
An electric vehicle needs to be regularly inspected and maintained like any car. The EV’s brakes, for instance, should be periodically inspected and replaced as needed. EV owners should also remember to top off the coolant and brake fluid as recommended in their manuals. Additionally, drivers should habitually keep their tires properly inflated, as EVs tend to burn through them faster than conventional vehicles due to their instant torque.
Controller
Many systems that make cars work have been around for a while, but electric vehicles introduce several new components unframed to most car owners. These unique components are vital for EVs to operate efficiently and create a sustainable mode of transportation.
One of the most critical components of an EV is the controller. This component oversees nearly all of the vehicle’s power control mechanisms, including motor control, regenerative braking control, and more. Its second responsibility is maintaining the batteries, motor, and other power electronics at the ideal temperature to enhance performance and minimize damage.
To power the electric motor, the motor controller, an inverter, changes the direct current from the battery to alternating current. This is an essential part of an EV because it allows the engine to move and generate torque. Inverters tend to produce a lot of heat, so they are linked up with the thermal management system of the car to keep it cool and functioning properly.
A thermal management system comprises a radiator, fans, and a coolant pump to keep the heat generated by the inverter, motor, and batteries from damaging them. While this system is unnecessary for traditional cars because they rely on a gasoline engine to propel them, it is needed for EVs. The inverter, motor, and batteries generate a lot of heat when working.